Horticulture production businesses across Northern Ireland are invited to submit an expression of interest for the Innovation Driver and Support Scheme.

This initiative, part of the Horticulture Pilot Scheme, has been developed to help businesses explore innovative opportunities and support the long-term sustainable growth of the horticulture sector.

The Innovation Driver and Support Scheme forms part of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Sustainable Agriculture Programme.

Kieran Lavelle, senior horticulture adviser with the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), spoke about the scheme.

"This pilot scheme offers financial support to horticultural businesses interested in adopting crops, systems or technologies that are new to Northern Ireland," Lavelle explained.

"The aim is to help businesses improve both productivity and sustainability while encouraging innovation across the sector.

“We recognise that developing and introducing innovative ideas can be challenging, and this scheme provides an opportunity for businesses to take those important next steps.

"Rather than providing a prescribed list of projects, we encourage businesses to demonstrate how their proposal could contribute to future growth and development."

Commercial horticulture businesses can access 40% funding up to a purchase price of £625,000 alongside agronomy, supply chain and business adviser support.

Applications

Applications will be assessed against selection criteria to ensure proposals with the greatest potential impact will be prioritised, DAERA said.

Funding will be limited to one successful application per business, and multiple applications for the same crop, technology, or system will not be supported.

The application process will be delivered in two stages.

The expression of interest phase will remain open until September 4, 2026, and will be used to assess industry interest and determine eligibility.

A full application process will follow in the autumn.